“Ed Wood” eat your heart out! I have to admit that I had never heard of Tommy Wiseau or his film “The Room”. I am a big fan of James Franco and decided to catch an early showing of his directorial debut. What a treat it is.
Franco plays the mysterious and strange Tommy Wiseau, who amazingly managed to produce a film in which he played the lead in 2003. No one seems to know where Wiseau came from nor where he managed to gather the cash to make the film. But indeed he did,and now “The Room” enjoys late night screenings across the country in “Rocky Horror” fashion. I have yet to see it but is on my “must do” list.
Back to “The Disaster Artist”. Franco cast his younger brother Dave as a fellow aspiring actor he met in acting class. They desperately want to make it in the movie world and Greg Sestero (Dave Francos) is weirdly impressed with Tommy’s leave it all out there acting style. Tommy’s attempt at Stanley Kowalski’s “Stella,,,” scene is one for the ages.
After failing to garner any semblance of success Tommy decided to write his own script. He amazingly gets a taker for it but they insist in Hollywood style to want to dramatically change it, a notion the artist in Tommy cannot abide.
Off he goes with his sidekick, checkbook in hand, and hires a crew to make his breakthrough film. Million of dollars later Tommy’s masterpiece is in the can.
The premiere scene is priceless. James Franco is brilliant in the role and proves that he belongs behind the camera as well.
Stick around as the credits role for a special treat! I just noticed that the film received two Golden Globe nods, James Franco for Best Actor and for Best Picture. I am not surprised. If you like out of the ordinary movies, check this one out.
